Coleman, who turns 20 on Tuesday, starred for the Whites in the John I Dent Cup in his return game from a knee injury.

He injured his left knee playing for Australia at the under-20s World Championship in Argentina in June.

It cost him six weeks on the sidelines but Coleman returned with a vengeance at Campese Field yesterday, leading the Whites to a 36-24 win over Wests.

Queanbeyan led by five points late in the match before Coleman stepped up.

He scored the match-sealing try seconds before full-time, racing 40m untouched after lock Tim MacNamara ran from inside his own goal line, raced 50m, regathered a chip and chase and offloaded to Coleman.

The try, which scrumhalf Nick White converted, gave the Whites a 12-point win.

The margin flattered the home side, which led by 20 points early before Wests got back within two points midway through the second half. Coleman was always confident his teammates would hold on for the win and keep the side in third position on the ladder.

''We let them back in which was a bit disappointing but we didn't have that much ball in that second half either. When we had the ball we played some nice free-running rugby and it was a good defensive effort as well.''

Coleman admitted to feeling cautious before the game, given his knee had not had a serious match workout since he injured it.

''My kicking is still a bit questionable but I'm just happy I got through the 80 minutes. I'll take confidence out of that.''

Queanbeyan coach Wayne Southwell was pleased to have his star flyhalf back available for selection in the run to the finals.

Southwell was always confident Coleman was ready for his return and that there would be no ''easing-in'' period required.

''He got himself into the game nicely and the best is yet to come with Robbie.

''Actually he and [scrumhalf] Nick [White], they will develop into a combination that will be very difficult for opposition teams to contain.''

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